BROTHERS IN ARMS?

AUTHOR(S)

Blanche, Ed

PUB. DATE

December 2003

SOURCE

Middle East;Dec2003, Issue 340, p6

SOURCE TYPE

Periodical

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

The conquest and occupation of Iraq has radicalized the Muslim world to an unprecedented degree, many believe to the point where Sunni and Shi'ite hardliners are now putting aside their historic differences and preparing to join forces against a common enemy â€” the West. For years, the idea of an Islamic alliance between Sunni and Shi'ite has been a nightmare scenario for western intelligence agencies, their allies in the Muslim world and Israel. Ever since the 1980's, there have been indications that hard-liners from both denominations have been setting aside the theological differences that have kept them apart for 14 centuries and are possibly already cooperating on particular operations in which the interests of all concerned are advanced.

Within fifty years of the night Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation on Mount Hira, Islam had become a codified religion with its own scriptures and rituals, and Islamic belief had spread far beyond the Arabian Peninsula. But the Muslims had also experienced the first serious split...

The article focuses on Sufism, a mystical strain of Islam that believes in direct communication with God through meditative changing. The article notes the conflicts between Sufism and other strains of Islam, which feel Sufism does not adhere enough to traditional interpretations of the Koran,...

Examines the events in Iraq in the 7th century A.D. which precipitated the division of Sunni and Shia Muslims. Etymology of the word Shia; Reason that Ali ibn Abi Talib, son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed, would not choose Medina for his capital when he ascended to caliphate; Significance of the...

The killing of Hz. Husayn in Karbala is the common pain of all Muslims. Although this tragedy took place in the early periods, it has never been forgotten. Two important figures of the Ahl al- Bayt who are also the two imams of Shia Muslims, Ali and Husayn, were killed at Kufa, as a result their...

This article reports on the confusion arising from the distinction between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The author contends that there is almost no religious difference between the two sects and that most Muslims aren't concerned with it. The separation between the two groups is being exploited and...

This article reports that the emergence of a Shi'ite-dominated government in Iraq is causing deep unease in the Arab world, which for centuries has been ruled by the majority Sunnis. The undeclared sectarian civil war that is swelling in Iraq, with its centerpiece the murderous campaign against...

The article reports on the initiative of the Iranian government to convert the Islamic sects of Alawis and Sunnis in Syria to Shi'ite Islam. According to Syrian opposition forces, the regime of President Bashar Assad has given Iran full discretionary power in Syria. Syrians have become anxious...